If you’re a coffee lover and Spanish isn’t your first language, this guide is for you. In this article, you’ll discover 13 different ways to order coffee in Spanish, as well as learn about popular coffee drinks, common expressions, and essential coffee vocabulary.
A Journey Through Spanish Coffee Culture
Having spent time in South America, specifically Ecuador, the Galapagos, Venezuela, and even Miami’s vibrant Little Havana, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with coffee. Now, I want to share my knowledge with you so that you can confidently order a delicious cup of coffee.
“Can I have a coffee please?” in Spanish
Let’s start with the simplest way to order a coffee in Spanish. You can say:
- “Un café, por favor.” (Neutral – neither formal nor informal) This translates to “A coffee, please” in English.
- ¿Me das un café, por favor? (informal)
- ¿Me da un café, por favor? (formal)
It’s worth noting that in Spanish, there are typically two ways to say most things: formal and informal. While informal expressions are acceptable in most settings, opting for the formal expression is always a safe choice. So, I’ve included both versions in most of the expressions I’ll be sharing.
Understanding Coffee Vocabulary in Spanish
The Spanish word for coffee is “café” (pronounced kah-feh). When referring to coffee in general, you’ll use “el café” (masculine). Nouns in Spanish have gender, with café being masculine and leche (milk) being feminine. Therefore, coffee is referred to as “el café” while milk is “la leche.”
How to Place Your Coffee Order
Now, let’s explore how a typical conversation might unfold when ordering coffee in Spanish:
- Barista: “¿Qué vas a tomar?” (What would you like to have?)
- You: “Un momento, por favor.” (Just a minute, please) This is your response if you need more time to decide.
- You: “Estoy viendo. Estoy decidiendo.” (I’m looking. I’m deciding)
- You: “Voy a querer un…” (I would like to order…) Here, you insert the name of the drink you desire.
Common Spanish Names for Coffees
Here’s a brief overview of some common coffee drinks in Spanish:
- Café solo / Espresso: This is essentially an espresso shot without any added milk or sweetener.
- Café Americano: Similar to American-style coffee, it’s an espresso shot diluted with hot water.
- Café con Leche: Also known as a latte or lechero, it’s a combination of espresso and steamed milk.
It’s recommended to start with these basic options and gradually explore the more elaborate choices as you become more comfortable.
Navigating Spanish Coffee Shops
The process of ordering coffee in Spanish can vary depending on where you are. Some coffee drinks may come pre-mixed with milk and sugar, while in other places, you’ll receive a black coffee and have to mix it yourself.
Before placing your order, observe how the process works in the specific coffee shop you’re in. Are there separate stations for customers to add milk and sweeteners? Or does the barista prepare the complete coffee for each guest? These details can differ not only between countries but even between neighboring cafes.
If you need to customize your coffee, here are some basics for milk and sweeteners:
- Milk in Coffee:
- Barista: “¿Con leche?” (With milk?)
- You: “Si, con un poco de leche.” (Yes, with a little milk.)
- You: “No, sin leche.” (No, without milk.)
Different types of milk may be available, including cows milk (“leche de vaca”), almond milk (“leche de almendra”), soy milk (“leche de soya”), and coconut milk (“leche de coco”).
- Sugar in Coffee:
- Barista: “¿Con azucar?” (With sugar?)
- You: “Si, con un poco de azucar.” (Yes, with a little sugar.)
- You: “No, sin azucar.” (No, without sugar.)
Exploring Spanish Coffee Drinks
Now, let’s delve into the variety of coffee options you can try in Spain. Here are 13 Spanish coffee drinks and their English translations:
- Café Con Leche: Made with equal parts espresso and milk. You can choose between hot, cold, or lukewarm milk.
- Café Americano: An espresso shot diluted with water, similar to American-style coffee.
- Café Solo: A strong, black espresso shot.
- Descafeinado: Decaffeinated coffee, which isn’t as popular in Spanish-speaking countries as in the US or Canada.
- Café Cortado: Espresso with a touch of steamed milk, also known as espresso macchiato.
- Café con Hielo: A hot cup of coffee served with a separate cup of ice cubes, perfect for hot summer days.
- Leche Manchada: Warm milk “stained” with coffee, a lighter option for those who don’t want a full-strength coffee.
- Café Bombón: An espresso shot with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in layers of coffee and milk that blend together when mixed.
- Carajillo: An espresso shot with a dash of alcohol, such as rum, brandy, or whiskey. No milk is added to this drink.
- Café Belmonte: A combination of café bombón and carajillo, with sweetened condensed milk and brandy.
- Blanco y Negro: Espresso mixed with ice and topped with ice cream or “leche merengada” (a milkshake).
- Café del Tiempo: Iced coffee similar to café con hielo, but with variations from the other coffee drinks.
- Café con Miel: An espresso shot with honey and steamed milk. Honey serves as a substitute for sugar, and additional spices like cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, or cardamom can be added.
Please note that the term “café manchado” can have different meanings depending on where you are. It can refer to cortado, where coffee is stained with milk, or leche manchada, where milk is stained with coffee. When in doubt, asking about the ratio or trying the drink everywhere you go can be an adventurous way to explore the local coffee culture.
Vocabulary for Ordering Coffee in Spanish
To help you navigate coffee shops in Spain, here are some useful words and phrases:
- Para llevar: To take away
- Taza: Mug with a handle
- Caliente: Hot
- Demasiado caliente: Too hot
- Templado / Tibio: Lukewarm
- Fría: Cold
- Azúcar: Sugar
- Hielo: Ice
- Sacarina: Sweetener
- Leche: Milk
- Canela: Cinnamon
Conclusion
Ordering coffee in Spanish can be an enriching cultural experience. By familiarizing yourself with the different ways to order, understanding the coffee vocabulary, and exploring the various coffee drinks, you’ll enhance your coffee enjoyment while immersing yourself in the unique world of Spanish coffee culture.
So, the next time you’re at a coffee shop in a Spanish-speaking country, confidently order your preferred cup of coffee using the expressions and vocabulary you’ve learned here. And remember, if you’re ever in the mood for a fantastic coffee experience, visit Marmalade Cafe – your gateway to an extraordinary coffee adventure.